Monday, November 13

Empowering Women - Madeline Stuart

Madeline Stuart is a young woman who became known for being
the first person with Down Syndrome to model, which was always her dream.

In 2014, she saw a fashion show in Brisbane with her mother.
and that’s where her dream began. After struggling with her weight, she lost 44
pounds. A year later, her mother started an online campaign to help Madeline
land the coveted modeling contract, which led to not one, but two modeling
contracts for Manifesta Fitness Wear and EverMaya Handbags.

Later, she participated in a bridal photoshoot for Rixey
Manor and also appeared in Vogue. Since then, she’s been on the catwalk for New
York Fashion Week twice, “becoming the second model with Down Syndrome at the
event after Jamie Brewer. She also became the face of GlossiGirl (a cosmetic
company).

All of this has led to Madeline being known at the first
professional model with Down Syndrome in the world. If that’s not enough, she
even had a bag named after her: The Madeline by Evermaya. All of its sales are
donated to National Down Syndrome Society.

And her pictures are just stunning.

From her website:

“Maddy really wants to change the way people discriminate
against disability through gaining attention through social media. She wants
people to know that Down Syndrome is a blessing, something to be celebrated.”